Loxone - Smart home control & automation

The Loxone Miniserver serves as the backbone for various building automation initiatives, ranging from intelligent home setups to larger commercial projects. When used alongside the Loxone App, all key functions of smart buildings can be easily accessed and managed. The app allows users to control lighting, shading, audio, security features, and climate settings.

Ease of use:

The Loxone App enables users to quickly choose their preferred settings. This feature allows for the operation of essential functions within the automated environment with a simple tap, along with the ability to track information and receive notifications. It effectively turns your smartphone, tablet, or laptop into a user-friendly remote control, providing reassurance and convenience.

Wear OS compatibility:

You can save shortcuts directly on your Wear OS Watch, allowing quick access to functions right from your wrist.

Key considerations:

The Loxone App requires integration with a Loxone Miniserver. It is advisable to have a professional handle the installation and configuration of both the Miniserver and the Loxone App. Additionally, specific settings must be established by a professional to enable external access to the app.

European Legislation for Building Automation and Control Systems

From January 1, 2026, new legal obligations relating to energy management will come into force for many building owners. Buildings with an Building Automation and Control System (BACS) can monitor and control the performance and energy consumption of technical systems. By networking the systems, processes are automated, optimized, and made more user-friendly. This leads to significant cost savings and sustainable energy consumption.

EPBD III: The Energy Legislation That Matters Now

From January 1, 2026, buildings with heating or cooling systems with a rated output of 290 kW or more must have a BACS (building automation and control system).

This system:

Monitors and controls technical installations.

Replaces the obligation to inspect heating and air conditioning systems.

Supports building owners in complying with EPBD III legislation.

EPBD IV: Energy Legislation for a Zero-Emission Future

EPBD IV builds on EPBD III, but sets stricter and more ambitious requirements for buildings in terms of climate neutrality. The key features of EPBD IV are:

Zero-emission buildings from 2030: New and renovated buildings must meet very strict energy and emission standards aimed at achieving net zero CO₂ emissions.

Mandatory integration of renewable energies: Buildings must be self-sufficient or use renewable energies as far as possible, for example through photovoltaic (PV) systems, heat pumps, and battery storage.

Increased focus on charging infrastructure: Legislation increasingly requires charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in both new and existing buildings.

Comprehensive automation requirements: The role of building automation and control is growing, with systems such as BACS being essential to ensure energy efficiency and user-friendliness.

For building owners, this means that by 2030, they will need to make their buildings fundamentally more sustainable and equip them with smart systems that not only save energy but also actively contribute to reducing emissions. For installers, EPBD IV means that they will need to implement innovative, flexible, and scalable solutions.

Practical Tips for Implementing BACS

Installers can easily integrate systems to help buildings meet the requirements of EPBD III and IV. This expands the possibilities for offering smart, future-proof solutions.

Important tips:

Evaluate existing systems: analyze current installations and determine areas for improvement.

Choose the right sensors and actuators: for temperature, air quality, presence and sunlight.

Use open protocols: BACnet, Modbus and MQTT.

Implement smart thermostats and zoned climate control: precise temperature control per zone.

Automate lighting and blinds: based on time, sunlight, and presence.

Monitor energy consumption via app/web: real-time insight and management.

Integrate sustainable energy sources: PV systems, EV charging stations, battery storage, and heat pumps.

Choose scalable solutions: for future-proof expansions.

Provide maintenance and support: for continuous optimal operation.

Investing in a BACS is more than just complying with legal requirements; it makes buildings smarter, more efficient, and future-proof. Building owners reduce their energy costs and improve comfort. Installers can add value as consultants with sustainable, integrated solutions. Loxone technology makes complex systems simple and scalable. BACS form the basis for the smart building of the future.

Frank Wessels

Branch Manager, Loxone Nederland

What Can Loxone Do?

Loxone offers technologies that simplify and optimize BACS integration:

Zone climate control for energy efficiency per room or zone.

Presence detection for smart adjustments of climate and lighting.

Automation of sun blinds and lighting based on environmental factors.

Support for open protocols such as BACnet, Modbus and MQTT.

Energy management and control of PV, electric vehicles, battery storage and heat pumps.

Central control via app/web for users and installers.